Artichoke plant named &#39;PS-MSG0677&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Cynara cardunculus  var.  scolymus  L. cultivar of artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0677’, characterized by its fleshiness of bracts; fleshiness of hearts; uniformity of head shapes; and male sterility which is demonstrated by the absence of pollen on all florets during anthesis.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Cynaracardunculus var. scolymus L.

Variety denomination: ‘PS-MSG-0677’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of artichokeplant, botanically known as Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L., andherein referred to by the cultivar name ‘PS-MSG0677’.

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L., commonly known as Globe artichoke,is a thistle-like perennial herb and is a member of the familyAsteraceae. Globe artichokes comprise: leaves, which are pinnatelylobed, but primarily spiny; oval capitula composed of an involucre ofoverlapping layers of large bracts; and a receptacle, which is enlargedand fleshy. Globe artichoke plants may be propagated by division orvegetative means, and are essentially grown for the production of theimmature flower heads, which are considered vegetable delicacies. Freshartichokes may be baked, steamed, or boiled, after which the fleshyreceptacle, inner and outer bracts, and parts of the floral stem may beeaten.

The new artichoke cultivar is a product of a planned breeding programcarried out by the inventor, William J. Colfer, in Chowchilla, Calif.,in 2007. The new artichoke cultivar ‘PS-MSG0677’ is a result of acontrolled cross between the female (seed) parent, Cynara cardunculusvar. scolymus L. designated ‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented) and the male (pollen)parent, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L. designated ‘GGRCHB01’(unpatented). The new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0677’ was discovered and selectedby the inventor, as a single flowering plant within the progeny of thestated cross, following several cycles of self-pollination in acontrolled environment in 2004/2005 in Merced County, Calif.

Asexual reproduction of the artichoke ‘PS-MSG0677’ by vegetativecuttings was first performed (in August 2006) in Castroville, Calif.,and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as hereindisclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction. The term “vegetativecutting” refers to the removal of offshoots or suckers from axillarybuds borne at the base of the stem just below the soil surface. The newshoots will develop axillary buds and subsequently produce offshoots inthe following season. The “vegetative cutting” was removed from thecrown region of the new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0677.’ The new cultivarreproduces true to type.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe unique characteristics of ‘PS-MSG0677’, which in combinationdistinguish this artichoke as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. fleshiness of bracts;    -   2. fleshiness of hearts;    -   3. uniformity of head shapes; and    -   4. male sterility which is demonstrated by the absence of pollen        on all florets during anthesis.        It should be noted that these data were collected from        second-year transplants.

Plants of the new Cynara ‘PS-MSG0677’ differ from plants of the parents,‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented) and ‘GGRCHB01’ (unpatented) in the followingcharacteristics described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Female Parent Male Parent New Cultivar ‘GGMSC5’ ‘GGRCHB01’Characteristic ‘PS-MSG0677’ (unpatented) (unpatented) Head number 6.205.80 7.25 Head shape oval oval slightly rounded oval Head color 5 GY7/6- 5 GY 5/4- 5 GY 4/6- 5 GY 7/8 5 GY 4/4 5 GY 6/6

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the inventor, the most similarin comparison to the new Cynara ‘PS-MSG0677’ is Cynara ‘GREEN GLOBE’(unpatented), in the following characteristics described in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Comparison Cultivar Name New Cultivar GREEN GLOBE Characteristic‘PS-MSG0677’ (unpatented) Average head number 6.20 6.40 Head exteriorcolor Green yellow (very Green (no slight glossiness) glossiness)Fleshiness of bract (cm) 0.54 0.51

For identification, a series of AFLP molecular markers have beendetermined for this new artichoke cultivar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of thenew artichoke ‘PS-MSG0677’ showing the colors as true as is reasonablypossible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in thephotographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in thedetailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of‘PS-MSG0677’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new artichoke‘PS-MSG0677’ were taken in Merced County, Calif. of second-yeartransplants.

FIG. 1 shows a side view perspective of three ‘PS-MSG0677’ primary headswith their secondary heads also developing below the larger primaryheads;

FIG. 2 shows the bottom row (the most outer bracts) followed by the nextlayers of bracts (second row) moving inward towards the receptacle. Thesubsequent rows show the most inner bracts in the third and fourth rowsat the top of the page. The artichoke head is an involucre ofoverlapping layers of bracts, and these bract layers are tightlyappressed to each other; and

FIG. 3 shows a close-up perspective of typical fruit, with its attachedouter bracts (interior appearance).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0677’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype of the new cultivar may varywith variations in environmental factors, including weather(temperature, humidity, and light intensity), day length, soil type, andlocation, without any change in the genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the followingobservations, measurements and values describe plants of ‘PS-MSG0677’ asgrown in Castroville, Calif., under conditions which closely approximatethose generally used in horticultural practice.

Castroville is located in California's central coast. Conditions canvary greatly during the summer months. Air temperature can range betweenthe low 20's (degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter to above 80 (degreesFahrenheit) during the summer months. Relative humidity is generallymoderate with values ranging from the mid 40's to the high 60's.Prevailing winds are westerly, and annual rainfall rarely exceeds 25″(inches).

In the following description, holding quality was measured by thephysical appearance of the harvested heads. This includes the heads'appearance following 3, 7 and 10-day storage periods in a cold storageroom held at 34 (degrees Fahrenheit). Head exterior (oxidation) wasobserved at each of the three observation points. Browning andblackening of plant tissue was evaluated as light, moderate and extreme.Juiciness was measured by observing exudate and rated as absent,moderate or excessive. Overall storage response was measured byobservations concentrated on visible color variability and/or presenceof lesions or other cosmetic anomalies. Leaf ratio (L/W) was determinedby dividing representative leaf sample length measurements byrepresentative leaf sample width measurements. Finally, head response toweather was determined by observing the heads at maturity. These fieldobservations focus on presence or absence of bronzing, necrotic andchlorotic lesions or any abiotic response to environmental conditions.These data are reported as the possible causal event(s), and thendescribe the detailed head and plant responses.

The age of the plants in the aforementioned photographs, together withthe following observations, measurements and values describe plants of‘PS-MSG0677’ about 210-250 days from transplanting. Plants weredeveloped in transplant trays for about 120 to 150 days, for a totalplant age of about 330 to 400 days. Not all greenhouse plantings areperformed on the same day. Physical data collection may also beperformed on different days.

All color references below are measured against The Munsell Book ofColor, Munsell Color Macbeth Division of Kollmorgen InstrumentsCorporation, (1988/PRO88-A). Colors are approximate as color depends onhorticultural practices such as light level and fertilization rate,among others.

-   Classification:    -   -   Botanical.—Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.-   Parentage:    -   -   Female or seed parent.—Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.            designated ‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented).        -   Male or pollen parent.—Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.            designated ‘GGRCHB01’ (unpatented).-   Propagation: Vegetative cuttings (side-shoots selected and harvested    from original parent selection).-   Plant:    -   -   Height.—About 92.46 cm. Range: 86.36 cm to 102.24 cm.        -   Width.—About 133.74 cm. Range: 128.88 cm to 147.96 cm.        -   Growth habit.—Upright/intermediate.        -   Vigor.—Good (This measurement is based on overall plant            performance, including plant height, density of leaf canopy            and overall plant growth and development rates.).-   Lateral shoots: These lateral branches from the main stem or    offshoots from axillary buds are borne at the base of the stem just    below the soil surface.    -   -   Number per plant.—About 2 or 3 per plant.        -   Length.—About 14.40 cm. Range: 12.07 cm to 16.51 cm.        -   Diameter.—About 2.86 cm. Range: 2.50 cm to 3.10 cm.        -   Color.—5 GY 7/4-5 GY 5/4. Anthocyanin coloration range. 5 R            4/4-5 R 5/4.        -   Foliage density.—Open to moderate, variable shoots give            plant an open to moderate plant density appearance.        -   Side-shoot development.—Moderate side-shoot development.            Plant responds to floral stalk removal inducing side-shoot            development.        -   Number of leaves per side-shoot.—Range: 0 to 3.-   Stem (main):    -   -   Length.—About 6.77 cm. Range: 6.50 cm to 7.2 cm.        -   Diameter.—About 2.86 cm. Range: 2.50 cm to 3.20 cm.        -   Width (with leaves).—Ranges from 3.72 cm to 4.80 cm.        -   Color.—Color designation: 5 GY 7/4-5 GY 6/4. Coloration with            basal anthocyanin coloration: 5 R 4/4-5 R 5/4.        -   Texture.—Stem texture can vary from areas that are            tomentulose to tomentose. Maturity and presence of            surrounding leaf tissue influence stem pubescence.        -   Number of leaves per main stem.—Range: 10 to 14.        -   Distance between leaf lobes on stem.—Range: 1.5 cm to 2.1            cm.        -   Internode length.—Range: 5.72 cm to 11.43 cm (Internode            length is influenced by soil conditions (moisture) in the            field.).-   Buds:    -   -   Shape.—Typically ovate. Range: slightly round to oval;            surrounded by developing leaf tissue.        -   Height.—Range: 9.91 cm average (primary head) to 4.92 cm            average (secondary head).        -   Diameter.—Range: 4.20 cm to 11.30 cm.        -   Color.—Color dependent on age and exposure to sun. Range: 5            GY 7/6-5 GY 7/8.        -   Texture.—Glabrous, with some light pubescence at the base of            the buds.-   Inflorescence: Mature, meaning grown to point of harvest and ready    for consumption.-   Florets:    -   -   Number per primary head.—Range: about 1065 to 1350.        -   Overall shape.—Tubulose, fused basal region anther tubes            that flare slightly to a flattened, expanded obtuse apex            stigmatic region        -   Width.—About 1.5 mm.        -   Color.—Purple-blue, color dependent on floret age. Range: 10            PB 4/12-10 PB 4/8-10 PB 5/6 Florets oxidize to darker            stigmatic colors and lighter anther colors late in            maturation.        -   Margin.—Smooth.        -   Texture.—Smooth.-   Capitulum (head):    -   -   Number.—About 6.20/plant. Range: 5.0 to 7.0 heads/plant.        -   Shape.—Predominately oval shapes, and slightly broadened            mid-sections, creating rounded oval to oval shape.        -   Size.—(18) Primary: 28.58 cm to 30.40 cm. (24) Secondary:            31.12 cm to 33.02 cm. (30) Tertiary: 28.58 cm to            30.48 cm. (36) Tertiary: 26.04 cm to 27.94 cm. (48)            Tertiary: 23.50 cm to 25.40 cm.        -   Texture.—Intermediate, smooth and slightly glossy.        -   Color.—Range: 5 GY 7/6-5 GY 7/8. Some marginal anthocyanin            coloration is visible on the basal portions of bracts. (5 R            3/4-5 R 3/2).        -   Fragrance.—Mild, lightly aromatic. Slightly sweet aroma,            freshly-cut, green grass aroma.        -   Firmness.—Heads are firm. Some head types in the spring have            reduced firmness.        -   Gloss.—Slight gloss green; tips can yellow surrounding the            spine region. Heads overall have a slight gloss green            coloration.        -   Juiciness.—Some interior bracts have exudate visible. Most            outer bracts and peduncle tissues are absent of exudate.-   Peduncle:    -   -   Length.—Range: 9.5 cm to 13.0 cm.        -   Diameter.—Range: 1.90 cm to 2.20 cm (Primary). Range: 1.30            cm to 1.60 cm (Secondary).        -   Color.—Range: 5 GY 6/4-5 GY 5/4. Deep grooves travel            lengthwise modifying color uniformity.        -   Texture.—Early development can be tomentose while later            development can be delicately tomentose. Distinct smooth            grooves are also evident, running the length of the            peduncle.-   Bract:    -   -   Number.—About 73.60 bracts. Range: 68 to 80 bracts.        -   Outer bract quantity per capitulum.—Range: 25-27.        -   Inner bract quantity per capitulum.—Range: 45-47.        -   Arrangement.—Bracts layer and overlap attaching to a fleshy            receptacle.        -   Length.—About 7.79 cm (outer). Range: 7.00 cm to 9.2 cm.            About 9.47 cm (inner). Range: 9.0 cm to 10.0 cm.        -   Width.—About 5.27 cm (outer). Range: 5.0 cm to 5.50 cm.            About 5.29 cm (inner). Range: 5.0 cm to 5.7 cm.        -   Shape.—Bracts are predominantly oval shaped with some bracts            displaying apical splitting and apical notching. Inner            bracts display only mild constriction in the basal regions            of both inner and outer bracts.        -   Texture (mid-region).—Smooth, slight texture.        -   Color (inner position in capitulum).—Bract interior            coloration. 2.5 GY 6/6-2.5 GY 9/2-10 Y 9/4 (green            coloration). Outer bract interior coloration (apex): 10 Y            9/4-10 Y 8.5/6. Slight anthocyanin coloration present in            innermost interior bract margins. 5 R 3/4-5 R 3/2.        -   Color (outer position in capitulum).—5 GY 6/6-5 GY 5/6            (green coloration). Mid-region to base. 5 GY 7/6-5 GY 7/8.            (green coloration with basal yellow coloration).        -   Firmness.—Malleable. Bracts are highly flexible. Outer            bracts are more flexible.        -   Spinosity.—Present on bract apexes. Spines are described as            moderate with rounded bract apexes. Length range: 1.0 mm-2.0            mm.        -   Basal thickness.—About 8.00 mm. Range: 6.00 cm to 8.00 mm.        -   Density (central head inner bract).—Medium.        -   Depth of apical notching (outer bract).—Shallow.        -   Reflexing of tip (outer bract).—Inward.        -   Basal height (outer bract).—Medium.        -   Bract quantity per capitulum.—72 average.-   Receptacle:    -   -   Bristle length.—44.50 mm average.        -   Bristle color.—10Y 9/1-5Y 9/2.        -   Bristle surface texture.—Smooth with visible longitudinal            striations under the surface of the receptacle.-   Heart:    -   -   Description.—Concave, moderately full. Heart is slightly            concave with moderate outer margins.        -   Color.—7.5 Y 9/2.-   Pappus:    -   -   Number.—The pappus attaches at the apical region of the            mature seed. Approximately 72-90 pappus filaments per seed.            Seed numbers vary — about 857 to 1350 seeds per head. The            seed numbers vary greatly (dependent upon weather            conditions, pollination, fertilization and seed-set), which            consequently influence pappus numbers.        -   Length.—About 15.5 mm. Range: 13.0 mm to 19.0 mm.        -   Color.—Variable white coloration. 10Y 9/2 (base) — 10Y 8.5/2            (apex) (colors difficult to match).-   Overall cold storage response: Good cold storage response. Very    slight oxidation observed.-   Cold storage (hold quality): Good. Some very slight brown lesions    are visible on outer bracts. Tips are free of necrosis.-   Head exterior (oxidation): Good. Only those areas damaged during    harvest showed some oxidation. Very slight bract margin    discoloration.-   Head response (weather): None. Some exterior head damage was    observed. Some mechanical head damage was observed from abrasion    with other surrounding heads.-   Foliage (leaves):    -   -   Shape.—Irregular, dentate leaves that are long and            strap-like, parted pinnatisect margins, a slightly reduced            tomentose upper-leaf surface and more advanced tomentose            lower-leaf surface. The leaf apex is described as a reduced            mucronulate.        -   Length.—About 32.42 cm. Range: 30.75 cm to 33.50 cm.        -   Width.—About 14.75 cm. Range: 13.50 cm to 16.60 cm.        -   Leaf ratio (L/W).—About 2.15. Range: 2.02 to 2.28.        -   Leaf area.—About 478.90 cm². Range: 436.65 cm²to 547.80 cm².        -   Leaf serrations.—About 37.50 mm. Range: 36 mm to 39 mm.        -   Leaf distance between serrations.—About 17.60 mm. Range: 15            mm to 21 mm.        -   Leaf basal angle.—About 55.00°. Range: 47.0° to 62.0°.        -   Leaf basal thickness.—About 9.70 mm. Range: 8.00 mm to 11.00            mm.        -   Texture.—Mature leaves are more blistered (verrucose type            appearance). Younger, developing leaves are distinctly more            verrucose with a more blistered appearance and texture.        -   Pubescence.—Smooth to sparse density. Pubescence on most            leaves is indistinct (glabrous appearance). Immature,            younger leaves are highly pubescent (more tomentose). Upper            leaf: sparse. Lower leaf: dense.        -   Color (mature).—Upper surface. Range: 5 GY 4/6-5 GY 4/4.            Lower surface: Range: 5 GY 4/6-5 GY 4/4.        -   Color (immature).—Upper surface. Range: 5 GY 4/6. Lower            surface: Range: 5 GY 4/4.        -   Leaf base midrib spines.—Absent.        -   Spine color.—Range: 5 Y 9/2-5 Y 8.5/2.-   Lobes:    -   -   Number per leaf.—About 16 to 18 (This number can also vary            and is influenced by soil types and winter growth            conditions.)        -   Number of secondary leaf lobes.—Few.        -   Apex shape.—Apex is acute with a spiny apex depending on            leaf maturity and developmental stages in relation to            reproductive bolting.        -   Base shape.—Generally described as pinnatisect and lobed.        -   Length.—Range: 16.8 cm to 20.0 cm (dependent upon leaf            developmental stages).        -   Width.—Range: 4.0 cm to 7.9 cm.-   Venation: Basal regions of the leaf have slightly green coloration.    The terminal and apical regions' coloration is green. Both mid-vein    and surrounding venation is green colored. Pattern: White mid-vein    (apex) with light green color venation radiating from leaf mid-vein.    Venation pattern is described as pinnate. Color: 5 GY 7/6-2.5 GY 9/2    (upper leaf veination). 10 GY 7/6 (lower leaf veination).-   Petiole:    -   -   Length.—About 9.65 cm. Range: 6.7 cm to 12.3 cm.        -   Width.—About 2.30 cm. Range: 2.20 cm to 2.61 cm        -   Diameter.—About 8.33 mm. Range: about 8.0 mm to 9.0 mm.            Color: 2.5 GY 9/2-5 GY 7/4 (upper regions). 5 GY 8/4 (lower            regions).-   Reproductive organs/seeds: Seed is generally a light tan color with    variable black specks on the seed coat. Seeds have an oval (acute    basal apex) shape. About 4 to 4.5 mm (w)×7 to 8 mm (1).    -   -   Pistil length.—69 mm average.        -   Style length.—15 mm average.        -   Style color.—10 PB 3/8-10 PB 4/8.        -   Stigma color.—10 PB 5/8-10 PB 6/8.        -   Stamen length.—17 mm average.        -   Stamen width.—3 mm average.        -   Anther shape.—Syngenesious (five fused anthers, as an anther            tube).        -   Anther color.—10 PB 6/6-10 PB 7/6.        -   Ovary length.—6 mm average.        -   Ovary width.—4 mm average.        -   Ovary position.—Rest vertically into the receptacle.-   Weather tolerance: No testing has been conducted. ‘PS-MSG0677’ may    be sensitive to temperatures below 20° F.-   Disease/pest resistance: No observations have been made.-   Disease/pest susceptibility: No pest or pathogen resistance or    susceptibility has been measured.-   Market use/shippability: Experimental line used in breeding    experimentation — not shipped or open to market use.-   General observations: This new artichoke hybrid is a unique type    that exhibits the following characteristics. The plants is moderate    in height, ranging from 86 cm to 102 cm. The comparative head    qualities to California's artichoke variety ‘GREEN GLOBE’    (unpatented) are green (slightly glossy) (unlike GREEN GLOBE)    exterior coloration with basal blush (like GREEN GLOBE), and    moderate head numbers. Head numbers range from 5 to 7 heads per    plant. Head shape does have slight variation displaying a    predominately oval shape and, slightly broadened mid-sections,    rounded oval shapes. These slightly glossy heads are produced in the    sizes ranging from size (18) primaries, size (24) secondaries and    size (30, 36 and 48) tertiaries. Floral stalk development and head    numbers can vary. Anthocyanin coloration is not present in innermost    interior bract margins. The head spinosity is present on bract    apexes within apical notches. Inner bracts also display spines but    can be very slightly notched and splitting. The average spine length    ranges between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. The plant's upright growth habit is    intermediate, but is very vigorous. The canopy's coloration is a    deeper green/yellow color. These colors on Munsell Leaf Color Chart    range from 5 GY 4/6 to 5 GY 4/4. Leaf spinosity is light to    moderate, and categorized as few. Floral stalk development during    anthesis produces a purple flower. Flower color varies with flower    maturity. The phenotypic characteristics of this cultivar may vary    slightly, depending upon variation in the environmental factors,    including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day    length, soil type, farming practices, location and time of year.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct Cynara cardunculus var.scolymus L. cultivar of artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0677’, as hereindescribed and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above.